Published 6 times a year every issue of Scotland Magazine delves in to the history of Scotland; from the mysterious clans to the great leaders, from the spirited creative individuals to the historical life of Scotland’s greatest castles and houses. Filled with the wonderful hidden secrets of the country, Scotland Magazine captures the spirit of this great nation, explores its history and heritage and recommends great places to visit.

Scotland Magazine

Editor’s letter

SHIPS AHOY • Island adventures, Celtic compositions and romance courtesy of Rabbie Burns

SHINTY SHOOT-OUT

LISTEN UP

CELEBRATE BURNS NIGHT • There is sadly a shortage of events at the moment, but from St Andrews to Burns Night, here are some of the ways you can connect with Scotland, either in person or remotely. Always check websites for up-to-date information before you travel.

‘TIL A’ THE SEAS GANG DRY

GREAT BRITISH HOLIDAY WINNER ANNOUNCED

WE’VE GOT MAIL • A selection of messages from our readers across the globe

THE NORSE ISLES • Though this year’s fire festivals have been cancelled, our writer explains why there are many other reasons to visit these northern isles, not least for their long history of human habitation

PLAN YOUR VISIT

TO THE MANOR BORN • Edward Maitland-Carew, descendant of one of Scotland’s most politically powerful families, welcomes us onto his grand family estate

THE JACOBITE PRINCE • To mark the 300th anniversary of the birth of Bonnie Prince Charlie, we take a tour of the places linked to his heroic but ultimately failed rising

A ROYAL GUESTBOOK • As many as 27 Scottish monarchs have passed through the doors of Traquair, Scotland’s oldest inhabited house, and now you can stay here too

TENNIS SUPERSTAR Sir Andy Murray • Tennis champion Sir Andy Murray is one of Scotland’s best-known international sports stars. He has won Wimbledon twice, the US Open, two Olympic Gold Medals and was a member of the Davis Cup winning team with his older brother Jamie. Born in Glasgow, Andy grew up in the small town of Dunblane in Perthshire

WISE BUY OR A WASTE OF GOOD WHISKY? • Our Master of Malt offers some insight for anyone considering starting their own Scotch whisky collection

TEE TIME • Looking for an authentic links golf experience? Well, buckle up for one of the world’s great golfing road trips from Scotland’s Mull of Kintyre to the picturesque Highlands

CHIEF OF THE (HALF) CENTURY • Meet Andrew MacThomas of Finegand, who this year celebrates 50 years as the 19th Chief of Clan MacThomas

FRINGE OF GOLD • This string of old fishing villages in Fife’s coastal nook is within easy travel distance of Edinburgh and Glasgow

THE MAIDEN OF CASTLE GLOOM • High in the Ochil Hills above the Clackmannanshire town of Dollar, on a narrow isthmus between two deep rocky gorges, stands Castle Campbell, originally known as Castle Gloom, which has links to a local legend

GRAND DESIGNS • In the bicentenary year of the New Town’s crowning glory of Charlotte Square, we take a look at the Georgian splendour of this part of the capital

PIPE UP • So synonymous with Scotland they could almost be her national emblem, we investigate the history of the bagpipes

THE PROBLEM WITH ILLEGITIMACY • If you’re researching your family tree, children born out of wedlock could cause confusion, but there are ways around it…

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A MURDER MOST ROYAL • The suspicious death of Margaret Drummond, King James IV’s mistress, paved the way for a Thistle and Rose union

THE LIBRARY • A chilling crime thriller, historic fiction at its best, and the true story of one of Scotland’s comedy greats